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This year's symposium focused on the growing need for digitally skilled workers and the impact of technology on everyday life for adult learners and their families. The event aims to provide adult educators, volunteers, tutors, coordinators, and administrators with valuable insights and training experiences ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced AI tech-driven workforce pre-skilling and upskilling curricula and tools.

Key Highlights:
•    Breakout Sessions presented by digitally accomplished trainers, curricula developers, and industry service providers on topics such as using community data to increase enrollment, integrating digital literacy into adult education, digital literacy navigators, and leveraging VR/AR simulations for workforce training.
•    Expert Panels from industry leaders about the transformative power of digital literacy and its crucial role in driving economic growth and success for communities.
•    Success Stories from Houston-based community organizations and learners about their experiences with digital literacy integration and the challenges they have overcome.
•    Networking Opportunities to connect with fellow educators and professionals in the digital literacy and instruction space.

For more information and to learn about the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, please visit https://www.houstontx.gov/adultliteracy/2025-digital-symposium.html.

Recent Posts

Harris County and Houston Public Libraries Announce Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Harris County Public Library (HCPL) and Houston Public Library (HPL) are joining forces to share the love with e-book fans across the Houston area. With a combined service population of over 4.5 million people, the two library powerhouses are linking their popular OverDrive digital collections, allowing patrons to borrow any available items using the Libby app with an existing or new library card from either library system. Although the OverDrive collections will remain separate, this partnership simplifies the user experience by offering seamless browsing and access to more than 600,000 e-books and downloadable audiobooks. “HPL and HCPL share many of the same customers, so sharing OverDrive will make it easier for everyone to access a wider variety of digital content. Simplifying the process of finding and checking out books is a win for the community,” said Patrick Atkins, Deputy Assistant Director of Library Materials Services & Training at HPL.This collaboration is made possible by OverDrive, the chief supplier of digital content for both library systems. OverDrive serves over 92,000 libraries worldwide, including public, school, college, and academic libraries across 115 countries. The rise in digital checkouts has been remarkable, fueled by the growing use of smartphones—96% of Americans own one—and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. HCPL was the first library in Texas to circulate more than a million e-books in 2016. Last year, HCPL and HPL together circulated a staggering total of 12 million digital materials.“The cooperative agreement between Harris County Public Library and Houston Public Library both acknowledges the changes in many patrons' reading habits and library use. It ensures broader and more equitable access for all. Both libraries are committed to refining and redefining public libraries for the twenty-first century and beyond. "We are dedicated to building partnerships and expanding robust digital collections that ensure equitable access to knowledge and resources for all. Our commitment goes beyond simply providing digital materials; it is about creating opportunities for learning, growth, and enrichment that empower individuals and strengthen our community," said Amber Seely, HCPL's Division Director of Collections and Technical Services.”Visit HCPL or HPL to learn more about the cooperative agreement and discover how you can benefit from expanded digital offerings....

Mayor's Office of Adult Literacy's Second Annual Digital Literacy Symposium: The Future of Adult Literacy

Houston, TX – The Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy conducted its 2nd Annual Digital Symposium: The Future of Adult Literacy, on Friday, February 7, 2024, at Houston Community College - Southeast Campus.This year's symposium focused on the growing need for digitally skilled workers and the impact of technology on everyday life for adult learners and their families. The event aims to provide adult educators, volunteers, tutors, coordinators, and administrators with valuable insights and training experiences ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced AI tech-driven workforce pre-skilling and upskilling curricula and tools. Key Highlights: • Breakout Sessions presented by digitally accomplished trainers, curricula developers, and industry service providers on topics such as using community data to increase enrollment, integrating digital literacy into adult education, digital literacy navigators, and leveraging VR/AR simulations for workforce training. • Expert Panels from industry leaders about the transformative power of digital literacy and its crucial role in driving economic growth and success for communities. • Success Stories from Houston-based community organizations and learners about their experiences with digital literacy integration and the challenges they have overcome. • Networking Opportunities to connect with fellow educators and professionals in the digital literacy and instruction space.For more information and to learn about the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, please visit https://www.houstontx.gov/adultliteracy/2025-digital-symposium.html....

New Logos Unveiled for History Research Centers

Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to introduce a brand refresh for its History Research Centers (HRCs). These centers house a diverse, carefully curated collection that support a wide range of research interests—from African American history and genealogy to local Houston history and Hispanic heritage. Each center plays a vital role in making history accessible and engaging, offering expert staff and resources that are among the best in Texas. Together, these centers represent the pinnacle of historical research and preservation in Texas. The New Logo: Symbolism and Meaning At the core of each logo is the open book, a timeless symbol of knowledge, learning, and the preservation of history. The book represents the vast collection of stories, documents, and resources that form the foundation of the HRC’s. Rising from the pages of the book is the tree, symbolizing growth, connection to the past, and the branching out of ideas. The tree’s roots are signified as an anchor in history, while its branches represent the exploration and development of new insights. This imagery underscores the intertwined relationship between the past and present. Combined, the book and tree elements create a cohesive logo family that aligns with the mission of the History Research Centers—preserving, sharing, and exploring history while inviting others to engage with and contribute to the ongoing narrative. "To further connect with a broader audience, a new logo family was designed for the History Research Centers. While the previous logo emphasized the historical significance of each site, the new design focuses on research and learning. By combining the symbolism of the book and the tree, we’re emphasizing the growth and discovery that our centers foster. This redesign is a visual representation of our commitment to preserving the past while inspiring future generations,” said LaDonna Weems, Deputy Assistant Director of Communications. "As we continue to make history more accessible to our community, this new logo beautifully captures the essence of our work. We are excited to share this new chapter with our visitors and look forward to welcoming even more people to explore our collections," said Miguell Ceasar, Senior Manager of History Research Centers....

Houston Public Library Celebrates Black History with Month-Long Series of Events

Houston Public Library is excited to announce a series of events in celebration of Black History Month, offering the community an opportunity to engage with and honor the rich cultural legacy and contributions of Black Americans. From creative writing workshops to cultural performances and thought-provoking author talks, HPL invites all to participate in these free, enriching activities throughout February. Featured Events Include: • Documentary Screening: Black Lives Matter in Latin America: This documentary focuses on Black activism in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Cuba, showing the importance of challenging state-led violence against Black people.Saturday, February 1 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus • Author Talk with Dr. Wendy Okolo: Dr. Okolo shares her memoir Learn to Fly: On Becoming a Rocket Scientist.Tuesday, February 4 | Central Library• Words of Defiance: How Black Newspapers Amplified Labor Justice and Social Change: Marquel Sennet discusses how black media shaped the African American labor movement during times of racial tension. Saturday, February 8 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus • Get to Know an Architect: John S. Chase: Learn about this trailblazing Black architect that has over 200 sets of his drawings housed at our research center. Saturday, February 13 | Online Only• After Dark: The Labor of Love: Join therapist and relationship expert, Dr. Kyee Young, who will guide us through modern day love and a special viewing of the Reverend William Lawson Love Letters. Friday, February 14 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus• Cultural Connections: Celebration of our community's rich diversity with food, fun activities, and cultural performances for all ages. Saturday, February 15 | Johnson Neighborhood LibraryThese are just a few of the events happening throughout the month. Additional activities include storytelling sessions, film screenings, and community gatherings, all designed to foster appreciation and understanding of Black culture. • African American Read-Ins (multiple dates) will take place across various libraries in Houston, including Stella Link, Blue Ridge, Smith, and Central Library. A celebration of Black literature with readings from influential Black authors. • Black Poetry Readings (Feb 10, 20, 22) and Relax & Write Workshops (Feb 8, 18), as well as an African American Archives Tour (Feb 22) held at the African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus. For event registration, visit houstonlibrary.org/events or follow HPL’s social media for updates and highlights. ...